UFC Fight Night 79 staff predictions: Who wins the battle of the blown-up lightweights?

Prior to every UFC event, theScore's Kyle Smith, Ali Dar, and Alexander K. Lee give their predictions on all the main-card fights.

Benson Henderson vs. Jorge Masvidal

Kyle Smith: In an intriguing matchup pitting Henderson's wrestling, thumping leg kicks, and seemingly unending motor against Masvidal's stellar takedown defense, and slick boxing, Henderson's grueling style and experience in five-round bouts should carry him to a decision victory. Sure, they'll be moments where Masvidal finds Henderson's chin with cracking shots, but "Bendo" should be able to survive the fire-fight, and ultimately grind it out over 25 minutes. Pick: Henderson

Ali Dar: Masvidal is such a tough fighter to put away. He has excellent takedown defense, good grappling, and is one of MMA's better boxers. One wrong move for Henderson and he could find himself losing this one. But I feel Henderson is a notch above Masvidal in terms of skill, and there isn't anyone that works as hard as him in preparation for a fight. That's enough for me to give him the nod in South Korea. Pick: Henderson

Alexander K. Lee: The scrappy Masvidal has not been finished since 2009, a credit to his toughness and versatility. The same could be said of Henderson, who was nearly untouchable when he ruled the 155-pound division. However, three losses in his last five lightweight contests have tarnished that sheen of invincibility. Still, Henderson has more experience with five-round fights, a knack for winning razor thin decisions, and he’ll have the support of the Korean crowd. All of that should provide the edge he needs to eke this one out. Pick: Henderson

Dong Hyun Kim vs. Dominic Waters

Dar: This is a must-win fight for Kim. He's going up against Waters, who doesn't even have a UFC win under his belt. Kim's best strategy to success would be to use his grappling to outclass the former collegiate wrestler, but Kim will want to put on a show for the Korean fans, and throw some heavy leather. In either instance, he should win this one comfortably. Pick: Kim

Lee: Were this a contest to see who looks more like "Saturday Night Live" cast member Jay Pharoah, then Waters would take this one running away. Unfortunately, it’s an MMA contest, and Waters is justifiably the biggest underdog on the card. With power in his hands and great wrestling, it’s hard to see what problems Kim will have with Waters, who was unable to stay off his back in his last appearance. Suggesting anything other than a Kim win here would be irresponsible. Pick: Kim

Smith: This is Kim's fight to lose. If the uber-talented "Stun Gun" wants to insert himself into the upper echelon of the welterweight division he'll need an impressive win over Waters, and that's exactly what he'll do on Saturday. More talented in virtually every aspect of the game, Kim is a bridge too far for Waters, who will succumb to strikes or a submission at some point in the opening 10 minutes. Pick: Kim

Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Alberto Mina

Lee: While not as decorated as Akiyama in the grappling department, Mina is also a judo black belt, which should come in handy when defending the spectacular throws that "Sexiyama" has executed in the past. Having never gone to the scorecards in his career, it’s on Mina to prevent that fight from going three rounds, a scenario that doesn’t favor either fighter. The heart says Sexiyama (always Sexiyama), but the brain says Mina. Regretfully. Pick: Mina

Dar: Mina is full of aggression, and loves moving forward at all times. Though he's a BJJ and judo black belt, he's fallen in love with knocking out opponents. He's undefeated thus far into his career, but he's yet to face anyone as significant as Akiyama. While he's at the end of his career, "Sexyama" should have enough to weather the initial storm, countering Mina, before finding the hole to knock him out or lock in a submission. Pick: Akiyama

Smith: It's so hard to pick against against "Sexyama," but I don't think I have a choice. Fighting for the first time in more than a year (and second time since 2012), Akiyama is going to be caked in ring rust, and is facing an aggressive, undefeated fighter in Mina, who has 11 finishes in his 11 victories. This could be Sexyama's swan song, and Mina will make his name with a resounding victory. Pick: Mina

Doo Ho Choi vs. Sam Sicilia

Lee: The 24-year old Choi is a top-tier prospect with napalm in all of his limbs. His last six fights have all ended in his opponents being knocked out before the third round. Sicilia has a big right hand and a penchant for brawling, which is exactly what Choi and his camp will be looking for. Even if Sicilia can avoid a kill shot, he’s still going to take too much of a pounding to steal this one. Pick: Choi

Dar: Choi is a great prospect out of South Korea, and this fight will allow him to showcase his skills. Sicilia has some serious knockout power, but he's not the most technically sound, and this will allow Choi to pick him apart. As long as Choi doesn't get sloppy, he should finish Sicilia early with his power from range. Pick: Choi

Smith: Possessing bricks where his hands should be, Sicilia may have the kind of knockout power to derail the Choi hype train, but I just don't think he'll have the opportunity to do it. An accurate striker who can string together scintillating combinations, "The Korean Superboy" should be able to light up Sicilia with pin-point precision, while Sicilia, if he can't land massive shots, will be desperately diving for takedowns. Pick: Choi